FC Edmonton fell 3-0 to Cavalry FC in the first Al Classico of the 2022 Canadian Premier League season at Clarke Stadium Friday.
Heading into the game Cavalry FC was looking to keep the undefeated record against FC Edmonton in all competitions.
“Cavalry deserved to win the game,” admitted FC Edmonton head coach Alan Koch after the game. “I think over the course of 90 minutes, they were the better team.
“I think they came out with more intensity than we came out with and in a derby. You have to come out with that intensity.”
Cavalry FC dominated possession in the first half leading to a dangerous chance in the 15th minute as Jose Escalante chipped it into the six-yard box that FC Edmonton goalkeeper Andreas Vaikla needed to be sharp on. Former FC Edmonton player Fraser Aird would get an opportunity off a rebound created by Ali Musse in the 24th minute.
FC Edmonton would get an opportunity in the 29th minute on a Kairo Coore shot that was blocked by Mason Trafford. Joe Mason opened the scoring for Cavalry FC in the 30th minute on a beautiful strike that beats Andreas Vaikla. And Ali Musse doubled the lead for Cavalry FC in the 34th minute.
Own goal caps off disappointing night for Eddies
Cavalry continued to press early in the second half. Ali Musse took a shot that was deflected wide in the 58th minute. FC Edmonton got an opportunity in the 65th minute on a corner that Nyal Higgins put just over the bar.
Vaikla made two fantastic consecutive saves in the 70th minute off a Ali Musse point-blank shot and a Myer Beyan chip shot. C.J Smith got a cross into the box in the 86th minute that Marco Carducci did well to intercept.
- Photo gallery: Cavalry FC beats FC Edmonton in first Al Classico of 2022
Cavalry put the game away on a Jose Escalante cross that took an unfortunate bounce off Cale Loughrey for an own goal to finish the game.
With the win Cavalry FC are in a playoff position while FC Edmonton continue to be in last place in the league. FC Edmonton will try to get back on track in their next league game against the reigning champions Pacific FC.
The Wildrose rivalry will continue when both teams head to Calgary to play their next game which will be in the Canadian Championship on Tuesday, May 10.
